Please contact Father Louis Durrant, our LGBTQI+ Liason Officer if you have specific queries. 

Finding an inclusive church

Many churches (or chaplaincies as we refer to them in our diocese), will make it obvious on their individual websites that they are inclusive in terms of welcoming all.  Check for 'open and affirming' statements and rainbow imagery on websites and signboard if applicable, aswell as social media channels. 

You can also go to Find A Church on our website to find a chaplaincy and see if they are specific about their welcome, for example, this chaplaincy in Tenerife have stated that they offer the Prayers of Love and Faith (see below) and that they are welcoming to all LGBTQI+ individuals: 

Public commitments in church for an LGB couple

The Prayers of Love and Faith are offered as resources in praying with and for a same-sex couple who love one another and who wish to give thanks for and mark that love in faith before God. To celebrate in God’s presence the commitment two people have made to each other is an occasion for rejoicing. The texts are offered to express thanksgiving and hope, with prayer that those who are dedicating their life together to God may grow in faith, love and service as God’s blessing rests upon them.

Here you can download a copy of the Prayers of Love and Faith.  To find out which chaplaincies are offering the Prayers, you can use A Church Near You. Chaplaincies in the UK and the Diocese in Europe are being encouraged to use A Church Near You to indicate if they are offering them.  

Belonging

There are some powerful and helpful stories of individuals on the Living in Love and Prayers site, you should be able to access them as a guest.